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AMERICA 




APAGEANT 



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Copyright 1917 
Thomas F. Coakley 






OtC IGI3I? 
©CLA481023 



INTRODUCTION 

American poets who have the historical sense 
are learning that the history of their nation offers 
them a wealth of romantic and noble incident, 
most suitable for poetic treatment. America is 
a splendid idealistic adventure, to be chronicled 
not by pedants, but by poets. To the Catholic 
poet especially the history of our nation is an in- 
viting theme, for the Church plays a glorious 
part in American development. 

Father Coakley has taken a magnificent theme, 
and treated it with appropriate dignity and en- 
thusiasm. No one can read it without a new and 
strong realization of the bond between America 
and the Catholic Church. He makes that gallant 
gentleman, Columbus, very human ; he makes us 
see also that Kings and Queens can be genuinely 
regal. 

I am glad that he has written this Pageant, and 
that it is to be produced at this time, when the 
Cross and the Flag are going out to victory to- 
gether. 



Mineola, New York, 
September, 1917. 



Joyce Kilmer. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE 
PAGEANT 

The Pageant opens with a Prologue by a 
Herald, giving a brief summary of the reason for 
the production. 

It is divided into three episodes, the first and 
second occurring early in 1492. The first episode 
opens with the low sound of the monks in the 
Monastery of La Rabida singing the "Magnifi- 
cat." Just as they reach the verse "He hath 
filled the hungry with good things," Columbus 
and his little son Diego enter, listening sorrow- 
fully to the hymn, the words of which make them 
think of their own hunger. They rest awhile 
outside the beautiful Monastery. The music 
ceases, and a dialogue takes place between Colum- 
bus and Diego, the homesick little boy wishing 
his father to return to Italy, since no one takes 
any interest in his project. Columbus resolutely 
assures his son that he has prayed too long to 
think of failure, and that heaven will come to 
their rescue. Their conversation is interrupted 
by a crowd of peasants, arrayed in a riot of bril- 



liant Spanish color. They begin to taunt Colum- 
bus, and to mock him. The music of the monks 
is again heard, chanting a glorious old recessional 
hymn, causing the mob to disperse, and as they 
leave, a priest. Father Juan Perez, comes out, 
having been attracted by the shouts of the crowd. 
Columbus asks him for food and shelter. During 
their talk, the priest becomes much interested in 
the plans of Columbus, and the first episode ends 
with the monks giving the pilgrims shelter in the 
monastery. 

The second episode is a court scene, which 
takes place at Santa Fe. Father Perez having 
tested the plans of Columbus, hurries off to 
Queen Isabella. The Queen becomes enthused 
over the affair and promises her aid, when sud- 
denly the King is announced. The Queen deems 
it proper to discuss the matter with her royal 
spouse before making a grant of money. Father 
Perez asks for an audience for Columbus, which 
the King reluctantly grants. Upon being intro- 
duced Columbus tells the Court his threefold ob- 
ject, namely, to find a shorter route to India, and 
thereby gain so much gold that a Crusading 
Army could be raised to liberate the Holy Land 
from the Turks ; secondly, to propagate the Gos- 
pel among the heathens, and, thirdly, to live up 
to his sainted name, Christopher, which means, 



''Christ-bearer." Columbus shows the King an 
Irish map, with the land he desires to re-discover 
plainly marked "St. Brendan's Land/' it having 
been discovered by Irish sailors centuries before. 
The King's sympathy is aroused ; he would like 
to give money for the project, but Spain is with- 
out sufficient funds, whereupon Queen Isabella 
promises to give her crown jewels to the holy 
cause. This is objected to by the King, and as a 
disagreement seems imminent between the royal 
couple. Cardinal Gonzalez de Mendoza rises to 
say that since the objects of Columbus are purely 
religious and missionary, it properly belongs to 
the Catholic Church to finance the undertaking. 
The Cardinal then summons Luis de Santangel, 
the Church treasurer, to turn over to Columbus 
the cost of the expedition, 17,000 golden ducats. 

The third episode shows the landing at San 
Salvador, on Friday, October 12, 1492, and the 
triumphant possession of the new world. 



Persons of the Pageant 

Herald 

Columbus 

Diego, his son 

Father Juan Perez 

Another Priest 

Queen Isabella 

King Ferdinand 

Cardinal Gonzalez de Mendoza 

Luis de Santangel 

Peasants 

Five Court Ladies 

Four Court Gentlemen 

Two Pages 

Cardinal's Two Attendants 

Sailors 

Chorus 



E 



FIRST EPISODE 

The auditorium should be fully illuminated. A 
gong rings, the curtains part a few inches to al- 
low a Herald, preferably a small boy, to step 
out. He speaks slowly and deliberately the 

PROLOGUE 

Kind sirs ; to honor him whose genius 

Has made a mighty nation out of 

These ancient primal wastes, we are tonight 

Assembled. Tis four-hundred-twenty-five 

Long years ago since first he trod upon 

Our soil. In simple narrative we strive 

To set attested facts of history, 

So long obscured, before your own good selves ; 

To purge them from all legendary lore ; 

To place in bold relief truth unadorned ; 

To speak a word of gratitude to those 

Who in unjust oblivion have lain ; 

To tell what impulse sent Columbus here ; 

What trials he had, what obstacles ; and when 

His altruistic soul was well nigh crushed 

A priest he met, Perez by name, who made 

9 



Him welcome at the court of Isabel. 

And she to regal heights arose, and would 

Have given all her jewels unto him, 

Had not a Prince of Holy Church declared 

There was no need of such a sacrifice. 

Whereat, he gave the pious funds of Spain 

To be expended in his sacred cause. 

And when you go back to your homes, recall 

That love of this, our country, means a love 

Unquenchable of that true Catholic Faith 

That helped Columbus by a generous gift, 

Enabling him to guess the secret of 

The ages, and discover a new world. 

(At the end of the Prologue, the Herald bows 
and retires backwards through the parted cur- 
tains. The auditorium lights should then be ex- 
tinguished. A choir of men, concealed some dis- 
tance away, should begin softly the ''Magnificat.'' 
As the first verse finishes the curtains part, show- 
ing a high Monastery zvall. At extreme right, a 
shadowy Gothic portal, giving entrance to the 
monastery. Over the doorzuay a Crucifix. There 
is a Byzantine image of the Madonna in a small 
Gothic niche in the wall on the left, before which 
a small ruby glass should be placed, with a very 
small candle {not lighted). Beneath the Ma- 
donna is a wooden seat, without a back. The 

10 



lights should be soft and low, as the time is after 
sunset. As the choir reaches the second verse of 
the "Magnificat'' a monk, in Franciscan habit with 
a cowl over his head, should enter Left, holdifig a 
long, lighted taper, shielded by his hand, to pro- 
duce shadows. He should walk slowly to the 
niche containing the Madonna, bozv reverently, 
light the candle, bow reverently again, and pass 
out through the Gothic portal at the Right, into 
the Monastery. When the choir reaches the verse 
"Esurientes implevit bonis," enter on Right 
Columbus and his son, Diego, the latter a boy 
about twelve years of age. Columbus carries a 
long pilgrim staff, and Diego carries two rolls of 
maps. The music should continue softly not 
more than one verse of the "Magnificat" after 
they enter. Columbus and Diego should listen 
to the dying strains of the hymn. ) 

Diego 

My Father, let us stop awhile. My eyes 
Are heavy, and that last great hill has made 
Me faint for food and drink. I cannot walk ! 

Columbus 

Dear lad, indeed, I have not dared to think 
Of my great weariness. But let us rest. 

11 



Here is a great stone bench. Sit down, my son. 
The holy Monks within may give us alms 
And then, lad, on ! until we reach the King. 
(Columbus sits on bench. Diego crouches at his 
feet.) 

DiEGO 

My Father, does the world to you seem changed ? 
The sun so pale, the winds so chill and bleak? 
I long so for Italian olive groves, 
Our pleasant home. Oh, may we not return ? 
Give up your plan that few will hear you tell. 
Why, those that listen to you, only laugh 
And call you dreamer, feather-brain and fool ! 

Columbus 

Lad, have you lost then, too, your loyal zeal ? 
True, those in power gave us scant sympathy. 
Their vision measures naught beyond themselves 
And their own smug achievements. But our eyes 
Must look beyond to Him Whose Will can make 
Our visions theirs. We must not cease to hope. 

Diego 

But, Father, if the great wise God in Heaven 
Has heard your prayers, why do you suflFer so ? 

12 



Columbus 

My boy, my life is given to this cause, 
And while I live, I hope. Nay, more, I trust ! 
"What things soever that you ask," says Christ, 
"You shall receive." I dare not, will not doubt. 
My faith, my hope, shall be rewarded soon. 
(Enter Right crowd of Peasants, men and 
women, with shouts and jeers. ) 

First Peasant 

Where is that freak of Italy, whose talcs 
Of missions far beyond the seas have been 
A nine days' wonder to the countryside? 
(Diego should rise terrified and cling to his 
father.) 

Second Peasant 

He is an imbecile to ask for ships 

And gold from us, when our most gracious Queen 

Is giving all to drive the Moors from Spain ! 

Third Peasant (kneeling in mockery) 

Fair Knight, why not to England's shore to seek 
His Majesty, the King? He might bestow 
On you the treasures of his royal court ! 

13 



Columbus 

Good sir, there did I go and humbly plead, 
But England's King is surfeited with ease, 
So far is he removed from poverty 
That he would give scant audience to one 
Who brought not flattery, nor gifts, but sought 
His aid for sufferers beyond the seas. 

Fourth Peasant 

Job, Solomon, Isaiah, these are dead. 

You've come to earth too late, mayhap too soon. 

There is the Holy Roman Emperor ; 

Why not approach His Royal Grace, and use 

On him the magic of your eloquence? 

Columbus 

'Tis only but a play on words that one 
Can say the Holy Roman Empire lives. 
Un-Roman and unholy as it is. 
It cares not for the spiritual sword. 
The Word of God, that conquers all the earth. 
{Choir in distance begins softly ''Adore Te De- 
vote") 

Fifth Peasant 

Then, brave adventurer, here is your course ! 
Go to our Holy Lord, the Pope, at Rome ! 

14 



Would not the humble Spanish Borgia give 
You hearty welcome there, and ships, and gold ? 
(Music becomes louder. The Peasants hear it, 
and begin to depart, one by one, unth loud and 
prolonged laughter, even after they leave the 
stage at Right. Lights should be lowered.) 

DiEcx) {frightened) 

Oh ! Father, let us come away, and find 
Some quiet inn. These voices frighten me. 
Soon 'twill be dark. 

[Voices of Peasants still heard.] 

Oh ! Father, do you hear ? 
{Music ceases. Enter Friar Perez, in Francis- 
can habit, through Gothic portal, looking 
Right.) 

Perez 
Methought I heard men laugh and shout. 



Columbus (in reverie) 

"He shall 
Be as one mocked and spit upon . . ." How runs 
The sacred text ? "And blest are ye when men 
Revile and laugh." Then am I blest indeed ! 

15 



Perez (turning Left surprised) 

Good friends, may I serve you in Jesus' Name? 
The shadows lengthen, and the Angelus 
Bids me to Chapel, but your tired, wan face, 
Yes, and beside, the lad's frail wistfulness 
Arrest my sympathy. What is your quest ? 



Columbus 

My son and I, good Father, starved and spent, 
Have not a place whereon to lay our heads. 
In God's Name, let us have a crust of bread 
And shelter from the rigors of the night ! 
That gracious sign 

[Points to Crucifix] 

gives us the heart to ask 
This humble alms from you. 

Perez 

My friends, I bid 
You welcome in God's Holy Name. Come in ! 
Hard beds, poor fare we have, but everything 
Is yours. Your steps are bent on some great 

cause 
Of pilgrimage, I judge? 

16 



Columbus 

Ah ! reverend sir, 
Of all whom we have met, this lad and I, 
You are the most like Him Whose cause we serve. 
As to my pilgrimage, ... my studies prove 
That this our dwelling place, the earth, is 
round. . . 



Perez (in great surprise) 
You say 'tis round . . . 

Columbus 

As round as is the ball 
Beneath yon towering cross. 
(Points to tower of church) 

Perez 

You dream, my man. 
The scholars teach us that the earth is flat. 

Diego (walking over to Perez) 

But still my Father knows that it is round, 
And he can prove it, too. 

17 



Perez (smiling) 

Well then, my man. 
What if the earth be round ? What of it, then ? 



Columbus 

Why this, my Father ! Day and night I think 
Of those poor souls who live in distant lands 
In pagan darkness, ignorant of Christ. 

Perez 

These are inspiring words ! You are, perhaps, 
A member of some zealous Brotherhood 
That seeks for converts to enrich the Faith ? 



Columbus 

No holy vows are mine. But other sheep 
There are, not of the Fold, and these my name 
— I bear it in all pride — doth spur me on 
O'er land and sea, to find. 

Perez (surprised) 

Your name, you say! 
What is that name, I beg, that drives you on 
To hunt for souls ? 

18 



Columbus 
My name is Christopher, 
My namesake bore the Savior of the world 
Upon his back, and won a martyr's crown. 
Shall I not carry Christ within my heart 
And bear Him oversea, around the world 
To His strange ignorant children far away ? 

Perez 
The heathens' souls are then your object, sir? 

Columbus 
They arc my first, but not my only aim. 
I seek a newer and a shorter way 
To the East Indies. Since Byzantium's fall 
The route is closed. And last of all, one great 
High purpose ! To expel the Turkish hordes 
From great Jerusalem's most holy soil 
And take Christ's tomb and all the precious land 
Made sacred by the passing of His feet 

Perez 

No one had ever worthier objects, sir. 

But what a task for one frail man, although 

Before Him lay innumerable years ! 

And where are ships and men and gold to make 

Successful issue of your cherished plans ? 

19 



Columbus 

My Father, I approach the King of Spain. 
He is a great man, and I hear, a just. 
Now, with God's help, I so will speak to him 
That he will know the logic of my dreams. 
He'll see that by my plan Hispania's wealth 
May multiply beyond his wildest hopes. 

Perez 

You have, I trust, some powerful friend at Court 
To whom you can entrust this enterprise ? 

Columbus 
Alas, my Father, I am quite unknown. 

Perez 

Perhaps I may be of some service, then. 
Poor though I am. 

Columbus (to Diego) 

My son, what noble hearts 
These rough brown robes conceal ! 

(to Perez) 

My grateful thanks ! 
Not my deserving, but your graciousness 

20 



May win from you an introduction 
To his Most Catholic Majesty, the King. 
For did I go thus friendless to his throne 
My plans would fail. 

Perez 

But first I should, brave man, 

Be glad to have more information 

About your plans ; what proofs you have to place 

Before the sovereign's eye. 

{Angelus rings in the distance. All stand and 
pray. After the Angelus is finished, Colum- 
bus and Diego kneel before the image of the 
Madonna.) 

Columbus {pleading) 

Madonna mine, 
If thou wilt give thy powerful aid to me, 
I promise thee the ship that carries us 
Across the unknown seas shall bear thy name. 
Santa Maria, hear ! 

Diego {zvalking over to Perez) 

• But, Father, I 
Am faint ; I scarce can wait for food and drink. 

21 



Perez 

I crave your pardon, little famished friend. 
I quite forgot your plight. I'll ring at once 

[rings at Monastery door] 
For Father Guardian to take good care 
That you're supplied at once with nourishment. 
When you have supped I wish to speak again 
About your enterprise, so that I may 
Be fully cognizant of its details 
Before I seek an audience at Court. 

Columbus 

Father, our thanks, our love, our prayers, are due 

For this, your kindly Christian act tonight. 
For all your great benevolence to us. 
May Heaven bless you ! 

{Enter through Monastery door the Guest 
Master, a friar cowled. ) 

Guest Master 

Did you ring just now? 

Perez 

Dear reverend Father, these two weary souls 
Have need of food and drink, and when they've 
done 

22 



I beg of you prepare a room for them 
Near to mine own ; the elder one and I 
Must have an earnest talk before we sleep 

Guest Master 

It shall be done at once as you desire. 

[Turns to Columbus and Diego] 
Good friends, I beg of you to follow me. 
{All three enter Monastery. Lights become very 
low.) 

Perez 

Would God that it were true, this dream of his ! 
He is not mad, although he dreams strange 

dreams. 
Perhaps those same strange dreams may turn to 

truth, 
Then in dim legends, men may read his name. 
This Christopher, Christ-bearer ! Future years 
May sound the glory of this wayworn man 
Who under our poor roof shall lie tonight 
And wait upon our pleasure. Gracious God, 
Thy Wisdom grant ! May our good Queen give 

ear 
Unto his pleadings ! May God's Will be done ! 

CURTAIN 
23 



SECOND EPISODE 

The scene is the Spanish Court, showing a 
room with tapestry walls on three sides, and a 
tapestry ceiling, with no other decoration. The 
lights should not be too brilliant. In the center a 
throne, with two state chairs. Handel's ''Largo'' 
should begin softly^ as the curtains part, then 
louder, as the court enters. First comes Queen 
Isabella, walking very majestically to the throne, 
her court train carried by tivo pages. She is fol- 
lowed at appropriate distances by her Hve Court 
Ladies and a Aower girl. As they approach the 
throne they make a very low genuflection, and 
take their places at each side of her throne, the 
one nearest her adjusting her train. 

When the Court Ladies have entered, they are 
immediately followed by a Cardinal, with a 
crimson ferraiuola, accompanied by two attend- 
ants in purple. He bows to the Queen, and takes 
his place on a throne on the Queen's left, his at- 
tendants standing one at each side. He is fol- 
lowed by Luis de Santangel, bearing an orna- 
mented casket. He bozvs to the Queen, then to 

24 



the Cardinal, and takes his place in the throne 
room, on the Queen's right. The Court Ladies 
should bow to each other, and to the Court Gen- 
tlemen, when these enter. 

There should be mute conversation among the 
Court Ladies and Gentlemen to make a mov- 
ing mass of color during the entire second epi- 
sode. They should manifest their interest, ap- 
proval, or disapproval of the conversations and 
speeches. When all have entered, the music 
ceases softly, and there enters at the extreme Left 
a Herald, who walks slowly to the center, bows 
before the Queen, and with his back to the audi- 
ence makes his announcement. 

Herald 

Your gracious Majesty, there waits without 

The Prior of La Rabida, who begs 

The favor of a moment's audience 

At the good pleasure of his Sovereign Queen. 

Queen 

At this hour ! Well, his Reverence may come 
Into our presence, early as it is, 

[Aside to her Court Ladies] 
He never seeks our ear except upon 
Some matter of the highest consequence. 

25 



For him to ask for hearing at this time 
Methinks forebodes events of interest 
Unto the Court of Spain. 

First Court Lady 

His influence 
Upon your Highness' generous mind is strong. 
It would not be occasion for surprise 
If soon great honors, both in Church and State, 
Came to him through your Majesty. Indeed 
The whole of Spain expects it, good my Queen. 

Second Court Lady 

I heard it said that more than once he has 
Refused to hold high offices in that 
Great order founded by Saint Francis of 
Assisi. Would the Poverello not 
Be proud of our good Father Perez here ? 

Queen 

He never yet has asked for self. He seeks 

For others always, most unselfish man ; 

Else we would scarce admit him to our throne. 

{Enter Perez, Left, dressed in hrown Franciscan 
habit. He hows to the Queen, then goes to 
the Cardinal's throne, kneels and kisses his 
ring and stands on Cardinal's right, near the 
Queen.) 

26 



Perez 

Most gracious Majesty, I give you thanks 
More than I can express for this great act 
Of sovereign favor done to me this day. 

Queen 

Had we not had experience before 
Of your most high and sacrificing soul 
We would not lightly have admitted you 
Unto our royal presence, for you have, 
No doubt, some delicate affair of State 
To urge in conference with us. 

Perez 

Most High, 
Most Catholic Queen, some time ago there came 
To me a man from Italy, who stood 
In need of vesture, food and drink and rest, 
For he was truly in distress . . . 

Queen (interrupting) 

To him 
I beg of you, good Prior, grant whate'er 
Is needed to relieve his plight, and you 
Shall be most amply reimbursed from out 
Our royal treasury. 

27 



Perez 

Most gracious Queen, 
Your sweet impulsiveness is far beyond 
The thanks of such an humble man as I, 
But it is not his poverty, tho' that 
Is great, that must enlist your generous aid. 

Queen 
Speak on, your Reverence, we are all cars. 

Perez 

Columbus is his name ; he has a dream 
So new, so rare, so bold ; he longs to do 
Great things for Christ — to undertake a plan 
As yet unheard, throughout the whole of time. 

Queen 

But what doth this poor friend of yours desire? 
What are his dreams, his aims, that seem to raise 
Your high enthusiasm ? 

Perez 

Royal Queen, 
He burns with longing for great conquests — not 
Indeed for gain, nor gold, but for his God. 
In short, my gracious Queen, the man is bent 
On sailing west to India, and thus . . . 

28 



Queen (surprised) 
A western route — there is but one, the east. 

Perez 

But he, my gentle Queen, intends to sail 
Due west . . . 

Queen 
Due west ? he's mad. The cast you mean. 

Perez 

Not so, great Sovereign, for he claims the earth 
Is round . . . 

Queen (greatly surprised) 

Tis round ! Your Reverence doth jest, 
Was it for this that we accorded you 
An entrance to our car ? 
(Court attendants show incredulity. Cardinal 

shakes his head.) 

29 



Perez 

My royal Queen, 
Have patience with me — hear me to the end. 
Give but a little of your precious time 
To lay before your noble mind the proofs 
I have to show. 

Queen 

Truly, I spoke in haste, 
Good Prior; if you are convinced, we need 
No further proof. Your judgment we revere. 
But state his plans. 

Perez 

His object is three-fold ; 
And first, Spain by this newest route may gain 
The wealth of India's treasure-laden plains . . 

Queen (interested) 
Yes, yes, go on . . . 

Perez 

And this will raise within 
This realm a mighty host of armed men, 
Another grand Crusade to drive the Turk 

30 



Without the doors of Europe, and once more 
To take by force Christ's Holy Sepulchre, 
That has for ages stood in pagan hands. 
To our eternal shame. 



Queen 

But objects three 
You said ; what is the last ? 



Perez 

The best I've held 
Unto the last. 'Twill make your queenly blood 
And Catholic soul quicken as though on fire, 
He plans, this sailor, with the heart of gold. 
To colonize the Church with converts made 
From those benighted men in India's land, 
Who never yet have heard the blessed Name 
Of our good Savior. 



Queen 

A mission, then, 
Unto the heathens is his high pursuit. 
To what great Order does your friend belong? 

31 



Perez 

Your Majesty, he is nor priest, nor monk ; 

A simple layman, one of that small band 

That in all ages of the Church are found 

To spread the faith of Christ. But for their zeal 

And their great sacrifice, there would be less 

Of triumph in the records of our Faith. 



Queen 

And you, my learned friend, do you approve 
Of all that you have told to me today? 



Perez 

With all my heart, your Majesty, or else 

I should not dare intrude upon your Grace. 

By many deep experiments I have 

Put to severest test his every plan. 

And found it to accord with reason sound. 



Queen 

And you, what would you have us do, good 
friend ? 



Perez 

If to this man, your gracious Majesty 
Would offer some small aid, I promise you 
Great things for all the realms of glorious Spain, 
A shining harvest of white souls would soon 
Accrue to Holy Church. The Turk would then 
Be forced to give to us the Tomb of Christ, 
More precious far than all the earth beside. 
And last, my stately Queen, the convert tribes 
Shall crown your name with immortality 
And round your sainted memory shall shine 
A light that never was on sea or land. 

Queen 

I must confess that you have found the way 
Into my heart and purse. These noble quests 
Are such as should be given royal grant, 
What sum does this your friend desire from us 
For his great enterprise ? 

Perez (zmth emotion) 

My thanks, my Queen, 
My thanks, a million times. 
(A trumpet sounds in the distance. Enter Her- 
ald on Right.) 

33 



Herald 

Attention, all ! 
His Majesty, the King! 
( The tivo pages come before Queen, how and go 

out to accompany the King to the throne 

room.) 



Queen {to Perez) 

He comes, the King, 
My Royal Consort. Let me ask of him 
His sage advice before I say what sum 
I shall assign unto your holy cause. 

{Music begins ''Priests' March" from "Athalie" 
by Mendelssohn. Enter Right King Ferdin- 
and, his train carried by two pages. The King 
stops, bows to the Cardinal, and then sits on 
the throne beside the Queen. He is followed 
by his four Court Gentlemen, who bow first 
to the Queen, then to the Cardinal, and take 
their places. The Court Ladies and Gentle- 
men should bow a nod of recognition as they 
take their places, and the movement of the 
Court Ladies and Gentlemen should he con- 
tinued without conversation.) 

34 



King 

( jood morn unto my Lady Fair. How does 
Our Queen ? 

Queen 

My face reveals my heart, my Lord. 
The Prior of La Rabida is here 
To beg our intercession. One has come 
With strange and new yet weighty theories, 
And out of these he sees a wondrous wealth 
For our beloved Spain ; the Tomb of Christ 
Again in Christian hands ; and last, and best, 
To bring forever to the one true Faith 
A world of heathen souls that else were lost. 



King 

These are but idle dreams, my lovely spouse. 
What have we royal folk to do with these ? 
They are fantastic projects, and besides 
Our time is now so filled with grave affairs 
Of common weal that leisure scarce is left 
For prayer, and surely none for dreams. Come, 

come, 
My Queen, our Court has been assembled here 
This morning to discuss a weighty scheme 
To change ... 

35 



Queen (interrupting) 

But, good my Lord, one moment, please. 
The Prior of La Rabida himself 
Has lent me his august authority 
To bring this matter to your royal ear. 
The learned Father has put to the test 
The dreamer and the dream. 



We'll hear. 



King 
Well, then, my love, 



Queen 

Most Reverend Father, plead again 
Unto our royal Court the cause you came 
To advocate. 

Perez 

Most High, Most Noble and 
Most Mighty Majesties ! I long to have 
The eloquence of him whose magic brain 
Has wrought this thing, so that it might be 

poured 
With full sonorous tones into your ears. 
I beg you summon him to plead his own 
High cause before you. 

36 



Queen {pleading) 

Let him come, my Lord, 
Well do I know our friend the Prior here 
Is wise and prudent and not wantonly 
Would he decide to seek our royal aid. 

King 

So be it then. Have him appear at once 
To give account to us of this his dream. 

Perez 
He stands without the Court. 

King (reluctantly) 

Let him but have 
A few brief instants of our time. 



Perez 

Yet hold, 
Great King, and you, good Queen, he will not be 
Attired in proper vesture. May I then 
Beg time and patience that he may appear 
In true befitting style ? 

37 



Queen (interrupting) 

I waive for now 
The courtesy of ceremonial dress. 
(Queen bows to Herald, who bows to throne, 
then goes out Right.) 

Perez 

Oh, many thousand thanks, my Queen, for this 

Regal benevolence. 

(Enter Right Herald who announces Senor 
Christopher Columbus. Enter Columbus 
and Diego, Rights the latter carrying the rolls 
of maps. ) 

Columbus 

Most mighty ones, 
Most Catholic Sovereigns, I cannot deserve 
Such condescension as you deign to show, 
Admitting to your royal presence here 
One in such rude attire. 

King (impatiently) 

The Father here 
Has told your plans. What would you have us 

do? 
Be quick of speech, and state what proofs you 

have. 

38 



[turning to Herald] 

Two minutes are the most that we can grant 
To this wild dreamer here. 

Herald bows 



Columbus 

Your Majesty, 
Years have I spent in study of the earth, 
In Genoa, Pavia, yea, on land 
And sea I've analyzed and searched and found 
The earth not flat, but round. And far away 
West of the unknown ocean, where the sun 
Spreads out his sunset robes of red and gold, 
Is India, a land of spice and gems. 
And from that land, by routes which we shall 

make, 
A royal ransom and a mighty host 
Will rise to liberate the Holy Land 
And the most sacred Sepulchre of Qirist, 
That languishes beneath the Turkish yoke. 
Nor is this all, great King. One high resolve 
Remains, and greater than the previous two. 
It is to carry unto all the tribes 
Of that far land the blessed news of Christ. 

39 



King 

What proofs have you, what maps and charts 

exist 
Of shores so far removed? 



Columbus 

Behold, my King, 
Here is a drawing of that plain beyond 
The raging seas . . . 



King (surprised) 

A map, you say ? We knew 
Of no such drawing in our day at school. 



Columbus 

Tradition was accepted. Royal King; 

But now, by logic, and research, men's minds 

Have come upon the truth that will prevail . 

King (interrupting) 

How did you come across this drawing, man ? 
40 



Columbus 

I found it, my liege Lord, while studying 
In the great Library at Genoa. 

King 
What name is given to those far off parts ? 

Columbus 
St. Brendan's Land. 

King 

'Tis an unusual name. 
What might it be ? A saint ? 

Columbus 

A saint, indeed, 
From that famed Isle of Saints, called Ireland. 
It is now close upon a thousand years 
Since Irish sailormen, in company 
With Irish monks, discovered what they called 
A shore most beautiful, and blooming with 
A fairness like a very dream of God. 
They christened it St. Brendan's Land. The chart 
Contains the name. This is the land I wish 
To re-discover now. 

41 



Queen I 

Has nothing since ' 

Been heard from this far coast? iJ 

Columbus 
Six hundred years, 
My Queen, the Irish colony did grow 
And flourish. Then the Norsemen came, with 

him 
They called Lief Ericson, and soon the schools, 
The churches, convents, founded there did far 
Outrank in piety and learned lore 
The fruits of Faith in Iceland''s chilly clime. 

King | 

Most interesting, is it not, my Lords ' 

And Gentlemen? 

Court Gentleman 

A strange adventurous charm 
It has, O King. We might have thought such 

things 
Could have been done so long ago by that 
Great restless Irish race, and their Norse friends 
From out the frozen seas. Their wanderings 
And fame for many deeds courageous have 
Ere this been known. 

42 



King 

But is it not a rash 
And futile thing to make attempt again 
To re-discover that which Norsemen bold 
And Irish have abandoned ? Can it be 
So slight a hope is worth the cost? 

Columbus (energetically) 

To save 

A single soul for Christ is worth the price, 
Though it should be half of your fair domain. 
My Liege, I have not told you that my name 
Is Christopher. He who first bore that name 
Bowed his broad shoulders to the weight of 

Christ 
And I am all unworthy of my saint 
Unless I bear the Light to darkened lands. 

King 

What seamen, ships and funds will you require 
For this, your voyage of discovery? 

Columbus 

Three ships, good King, with forty men for each, 
And also gold enough for twelve months' sail. 



King 

But Spain is now so sorely tried for gold 
I cannot tax my loyal subjects more. 
The Grandees of our Council have by act 
Of their authority declared the most 
Exact and rigid saving must be made 
In all the nation's outlay, so I fear 
Your plea for help comes at a time, alas, 
Inopportune. 



Columbus (pleading) 

Not surely, gracious King, 
In the same scale compare with souls the things 
Of earth, this world with next . . . 



Queen (interrupting) 

Let me but have 
A word, my Lord. Of this man Christopher's 
Sincerity and zeal I am assured. 
The Prior here doth stand high sponsor for 
His knowledge deep of all things needful. Grant 
That taxes press upon our kingdom hard ; 
You say that now there seems no open way 
For this bold venture of our Catholic Faith. 
Let me, then, make some regal sacrifice. 

44 



Here are my jewels ; here my ring, my crown. 
They are my tribute, small, 'tis true, unto 
This holy cause of Christ. 

[very slowly] 
"The beauty of 
The Queen is all within," says Holy Writ. 
From hence, let it be verified in me. 

King (interrupting) 

My lovely spouse, but are you wise to part 
With all those royal stones, my gifts to thee? 
That ring, the pledge of our united love 
That shall endure until the hour of death ; 
That crown of flashing gems, ransacked of earth, 
That rests so queenly on your splendid brow ; 
That rope of lustrous pearls that fits so well 
Your lovely throat! Nay, nay, my Queen, not 

this! 
Have you, I ask, so little feeling left 
For me that you can thus so slightly spare 
The cumulated tokens of my love? 

Queen (affectionately) 

Not that I love thee less, my royal spouse, 

[Rises] 
But that I love Christ more, and love for Him 
Will strengthen love of thee. 

46 



[Turns to Columbus] 

Here, Christopher, 
Transmute these baubles into ships and gold. 
Seek men, implore the blessing of our Lord, 
And beg his Navigator, Peter's aid ! 

Cardinal (rising; Queen sits) 

Hold, hold, enough ! One moment, please, 
my King, 
And you, most noble Queen. I am so touched 
At all this great impulsive sacrifice 
That I could weep for joy. It is as if 
This man had blazoned splendid prophecies 
On the bare wall, and Kings had followed him. 
And yet there is no need to sacrifice 
This jewelled largess between man and wife; 
There is a happier way. 

King 

Speak, Eminence. 
Your wisdom is more precious than the gems 
And your rich counsel of more worth than gold. 

Cardinal 

Your Majesty, I have been deeply moved 
By this man's simple and unyielding faith, 
And as he spoke, a dream, I, too, did have. 

46 



King 

Another dream, your Eminence ! Have we 
Not had enough of trial from one ? 

Cardinal 

1 dreamed 
A dream, O King, of this man Christopher, 
Of Peter's bark, the pilot to far shores. 
Can we forget that much lies in a name ? 
Bethink yourself. Did not the Lord Himself 
Change Simon's name to Peter to make him 
The solid rock on which he was to rear 
His everlasting Church ? So may not he, 
And that most sainted title that he bears 
Portend his office and his Christian task 
Of carrying the Gospel to those lands 
Yet undiscovered? 

King 

Very true, my Lord 
And Cardinal, but you know well the cost 
Of such a missionary enterprise. 
The royal coffers are already bare 
And more taxation would bankrupt us all. 



Cardinal 

I beg your Majesty to hear me through. 
This project properly belongs to us, 
Entrusted with the rule of Holy Church. 
"Go, teach all nations," was the high command 
Of Christ to us. We are the Lord's select 
Ambassadors ; we are anointed ones 
To do his Will. Let Holy Church, then, send 
This missionary brave, this Christopher, 
By name Columbus, to the ends of earth. 
And Holy Church will gladly furnish gold 
And ships and men, else she were wholly false 
To her whole past and future destiny. 

King 

This is a plain solution. Let me now 
Applaud the wisdom of your Eminence. 
You are a councillor beyond all price. 



Queen 

Because I am a woman, must I needs 
Withhold my jewels, feign indifference, 
Sit simperingly by, and have no part 
In this tremendous enterprise for souls ? 

48 



Cardinal 

Not so, my Queen. Your soul's nobility 
And great renunciation shall exalt 
You far beyond the women of this age. 
From henceforth all the nations in the west 
Shall with one voice proclaim you blest, and place 
Your name with the immortal ones. 

[Turns to Luis De Santangel] 

Bring here, 
Santangel, all those funds you have with you 
In yonder casket, that you guard in trust, 
We will transfer them all, and more as well. 
To this brave man whose throbbing heart conceals 
The burning zeal of great Apostle Paul. 

Luis De Santangel 

(Takes one step forward holding casket. He 

bows to throne and Cardinal.) 
Your Eminence, I gladly acquiesce 
In your sublime decision. 'Twill place 
The funds of Holy Church at interest 
Compounded of those human souls abroad, 
Alluded to by this man Christopher. 
This casket that I hold in trust, my Lord, 
Contains in golden ducats the great sum 
Of seventeen full thousand Spanish coins. 

49 



No pious funds could better be employed. 

No customary mission venture this, 

Such as attempted by the mass of men, 

But bold, original, inspired of God. 

Most fortunate are we to be actors 

In this great deed that, while the centuries roll, 

Shall make our names resound throughout the 

world ; 
For this new cause shall mark an epoch in 
The age-old history of our Catholic Faith. 
(Bows and retires to former place.) 

Columbus 
Most Eminent Lord Cardinal, to you 
My generous and most noble Queen of Spain, 
Most Catholic and most mighty King, to you, 
O Reverend Father Prior, first of friends, 
Our Holy Catholic Roman Church, and all 
These realms of Spain ... I pledge unwearied 

love 
And true obedience, and when I first 
Arrive at those uncharted lands, I shall 
Erect the blessed Cross of Christ, and plant 
Full high the standard of your Spanish power, 
And nations yet unborn shall gladly hail 
The day you lifted up this weary heart 
Of mine and niade it pulse with grateful joy. 

CURTAIN 

50 



THIRD EPISODE 

{''Ave Maris Stella'' sung by Choir before cur- 
tain rises, with auditorium in total darkness. 

Scene : Curtains part showing a vessel, parti- 
ally visible. Land to one side. Tropical vegeta- 
tion. Ocean visible in the faint light that gradu- 
ally grows stronger. Distant voices of sailors 
are heard,) 

First Sailor 
Land! 

Second Sailor 
Land! 

Third Sailor 
I see it, too ! 

Fourth Sailor 

Land to the south ! 
51 



First Sailor 
Hurrah ! 

Second Sailor 
Viva ! 

Third Sailor 

'Tis land, 'tis land ! 

Fourth Sailor 

Thank God ! 

First Sailor 

Call to the Admiral ! 

Second Sailor 

Three cheers, three long 
And loud transporting shouts, to send the noise 
Of our exulting throats above the roar 
Of these tempestuous waves as far as Spain ! 

Third Sailor 
Hurrah, Hurrah ! 

Fourth Sailor 
Three cheers ! Hurrah, Hurrah ! 
62 



First Sailor 
Let me have place, I saw it first ! 

Second Sailor 

TwasI! 
Third Sailor 

Not so, I was the one who first espied 
The rolHng surf that indicates dry land. 

Fourth Sailor 
But I'll be first to plant my foot thereon ! 

First Sailor 
Be silent, fool ! 

Second Sailor 

Three cheers once more for him. 
The conquerer, Columbus, who has brought 
Us safe across the tumbling billows of 
The unknown deep. 

Third Sailor 
Hurrah ! 

Fourth Sailor 

Viva! 

53 



First Sailor 






Hurrah! 


Second Sailor 


« 


Long live our gallant Christopher ! 




Third Sailor 




Hold! 


, 


Fourth Sailor 






Hold! 


First Sailor 




Be silent, all ! 





Perez (holding large cross) 
The Admiral doth speak. 

Columbus (standing at prow of ship) 

My thanks, good men, with all my heart. Right 

well 
May you rejoice on this, our day of days. 
Although quite oft my spirits pined and drooped 
When naught seemed sure but Death, and Death 

so dark 

54 



And deep and silent in the awful calm 
Of the great merciless mysterious sea, 
1 felt we could not be abandoned 
By Him who stilled the waves on Galilee. 
It was His glory that I sought, not mine ; 
For Christopher of old has life again 
In me ; in faith, in hope, in all my brave 
Companions who defied the elements, 
Untamed and wild, and kept their confidence 
And trust, through God in me ; right well, I say 
Again, that you rejoice in hymns of praise. 
And may the echoes down the ages ring. 
And reach at last the great White Throne of God 
In days, fair days, that we shall never see. 
It is most fitting that the Name of God 
Should be the very first of all the sounds 
That we shall utter on these new-found shores, 
Untrodden yet by any Christian foot. 
With God's Name on our lips did we begin ; 
We now complete the task and consecrate 
The work entire to Him. Advance, my men. 
And with melodious sound assail the courts 
Of yon high heaven with a sacred hymn. 

(Choir sings one or two sentences of ''Te Deum." 
Columbus steps on shore, holding sword, 
Sailors kiss the ground and otherwise manifest 
their joy.) 



Columbus 

Now in the Blessed Trinity's own Name, 
And under Mary Mother's fostering care, 
I take all lands of this far western world, 
Not otherwise by valid title held. 
And them do I annex unto the crown 
Of Catholic Spain, to be administered 
By Ferdinand and Isabella. Their 
Ambassador I am, by virtue of 
Their royal grant. Whereof in witness now 
That all the world may know, we do erect 
This sacred sign and its implanting leave 
Unto the Father here, our first great friend. 

(Sailors dig hole for cross, which is erected by 
Perez.) 

Columbus (drazving sword) 

Let him beware who would assail by force 
Our indisputable and sovereign rights. 

Perez 

My Admiral, I little thought some few 
Short months ago, when you came to our small 
Monastic house, that this proud hour should 
spring 

56 



From our poor deed of hospitality. 

Upon what slender threads do destinies 

Of men and nations oft-times depend ! 

That kindly act shall change the currents of 

The history of man. I shudder yet 

To think in retrospect what might have been 

The issue had I turned you straight away 

That fated night ! Now as I lift the veil 

Of all those coming fruitful years, that bear 

Upon their freighted bosom great events, 

I dimly see my brethren of the Faith, 

Those missionaries, sacrificing self, 

Who penetrate the virgin forests, toil 

To clear their trackless woods, explore their 

depths, 
Discover streams and bays and capes, ascend 
The mountain heights, and everywhere their 

feet 
Shall tread, a mission chapel they'll erect, 
A prayer-house ! The Dwelling-Place of God ! 
They'll call it after those heroic men 
And women, the fast friends of Christ, until 
The surface of the land is dotted o'er, 
A long and stately litany of Saints, 
To render thanks eternal for this day. 
And summon every traveller to note 
Their impress, deep, indelible, upon 
This land now dedicated all to Christ. 

57 



Sailors 
Long live the King ! 

Long live the Queen ! 

Lung live 
Columbus, too ! 

Columbus 

May this strange shore, which we 
Have touched today, produce a race of men 
Whose love of justice, liberty and truth 
Shall be more strong than death ! May they pre- 
serve 
Undimmed the torch of Christianity, 
And if the aged world of Europe should 
At some far distant time, which God forbid, 
Depart from out the fold of that true Church, 
Whose burning thirst for souls hath sent me here, 
May this new land arise at once with ships. 
And gold and men, to stretch her grateful arm, 
Impelled by ancient apostolic zeal. 
Across the brine in friendship's sacred grasp, 
To make return in kind for this day's deed. 
To stem the tide of infidelity, 
To win new converts to the Ark of Christ, 
And keep aflame the light of Catholic Faith ! 

(Choir sings one sentence of the ''Salve Regina" 
as CURTAIN falls.) 

58 



OPINIONS OF THE PRESS 

Father Coakley has added a new and thrilling drama 
to the ensemble of historical spectacles, correct in its 
conventions, entrancing with its aesthetic atmosphere 
of the fifteenth century's royal courts, dazzling in its 
array of costumes, sonorous with the stately and 
measured cadences of its actors. (Pittsburgh Gazette- 
Times) 



The Columbus Pageant is a thing of beauty. The 
unusual grandeur of the three episodes made the 
spectacle one long to be remembered by those who 
v/itnessed it. The costumes and stage settings run 
through the whole gamut of lovely colors. Doctor 
Coakley's lines are noble and dignified, and they move 
with a rhythm and a swing that give them a sonorous 
sound as they trip lightly on the tongue. (Pittsburgh 
Press) 



The Columbus Pageant is an elaborate production of 
the splendor of Medieval Spain. The large number of 
characters in colorful costumes mingle to form a strik- 
ing, almost dazzling, treat for the eye, while the read- 
ing of the dignified lines by the players was done with 
a restraint rarely to be found, (Pittsburgh Chronicle- 
Telegraph) 

59 



The hand of a master is in evidence everywhere. 
There are deft and subtle touches of Spanish color and 
atmosphere that breathe the aroma of the Dons of the 
Fifteenth Century when religion played so important 
a part in the life of the Middle Ages. For sheer splen- 
dor the Court scene, a glorious medieval hall, tapestry 
hung, exquisite in its simplicity, has not been sur- 
passed anywhere in Pittsburgh on any stage. {Pitts- 
burgh Observer) 

The success of the affair was assured by the beauty 
and dignity of the lines, and the opportunity for masses 
of the rich, sometimes almost barbaric, color of Spain, 
which had not yet emerged from the Medieval period 
of history. {Pittsburgh Dispatch) 

Pittsburgh has seen much Pageantry recently, but 
none of it has been more grandly conceived, or more 
nobly expressed than this Columbus Pageant. The 
moment the curtains part, one realizes he is attending 
no mere am iteur performance. {Pittsburgh Catholic) 




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